I do not own any portion of, nor am making any money off of BBC's Robin Hood.
Robin sensed more than heard a presence at the top of the hill. Instinctively he turned to look and what he saw astounded him. It was a small girl who looked at the very most to be three years of age. He noticed a note attached to the waif's chest.
"Oi, Robin! Are you seeing what I'm seeing or have I finally gone mad??" Much shouted from across camp, in the process of preparing dinner, drawing the attention of the rest of the gang. Robin simply held up a hand to them indicating for them to stay where they were and was on his way to investigate.
He got up slowly putting his bow and quiver aside. Robin cast a glance to John and Allan making sure they had his back now that he was unarmed. Moving lithely toward the small child he took a moment to take in her features. Her bright red hair shone brilliantly in the sun that poked through the canopy of the forest. Freckles delicately dusted her cheeks. Her eyes perplexed him; she had one green and one blue, both of which met his gaze unwavering.
"Hello little one, are you lost?" She shook her head no, brushed her long bangs out of her eyes and gave him a cocky little smile. Robin looked around before smirking back quite amused at her antics. He squatted before her and read the note quickly:
My Dearest Robin,
If you are reading this then I must be dead. This is our daughter Jo. She happened a few months after you returned from the Holy Land. When I went to visit my cousin for those five months, I went to ensure that after our child was born she would be safe. I've sent money to my cousin regularly for her care and informed her if the money stopped coming to send the child to you. Please know that I have always loved you and will forever more. Live, Robin and love her like she deserves. Be happy and healthy.
Always and Forever,
Your Marian
Robin raised his gaze to the child, tears threatening to fall at any moment. He somewhat composed himself and scooped the child up to his chest, carrying her back towards the camp. He removed the note from the girl's clothes and wordlessly handed it to Much. Robin dazedly sat himself on a log by the fire and waited while Much read the note to the rest of the gang. As they turned to look at the pair Jo leaned back shyly against Robin's chest but none the less met their eyes.
"Not being funny here Robin, but how do we know this isn't a trap?" Allan gently voiced the question which was on everyone's mind.
"Mama said give you this…" Jo reached into a pocket sewn onto the front of her dress and produced a small thin object wrapped in what looked like a scrap of leather. Robin accepted the child's offering still holding her securely on his lap. He unwrapped the object letting the leather bit fall to the ground. It was the mate to the hair stick Marian had thrown at the guard so many months ago.
"Master…" Much said gaining Robin's attention. He pointed to the ground near Robin's feet. Robin gingerly picked up the scrap of leather. There was no question that this was his and Marian's child. In his hand he held the mask of The Night Watchman.